Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, moving docu of unusual teen is emotionally intense.
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The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE JOYS AND SORROWS OF YOUNG YUGUO is a documentary about an unusual 16-year-old from southern China. What makes Yuguo so special is not just that he has a love of literature and poetry, but that he's most deeply drawn to Romanian poetry in particular. He applies to study at a university in Romania, is accepted, and sets out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The story follows his hopes and dreams, how he's received by the locals in Romania, and how he helps them see themselves in a new light.
Is It Any Good?
This quiet, short, and moving documentary is thoughtfully and lovingly put together. Director-writer Ilinca Calugareanu handles her subject with care and warmth. The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo lets us get to know him and truly appreciate his special qualities.
The narration, dialogue, and interviews alternate between Chinese, English, and Romanian, so captions are frequently on-screen and dubbing isn't available. This makes it best for strong readers. The ending is powerfully emotional, so keep a tissue handy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo shows the importance of culture and the arts, especially literature. What does Yuguo learn, and what does he help others learn, through his love of Romanian poetry?
Do you agree with those who tell Yuguo that poetry books are useless because they don't help with passing exams? Why, or why not?
Yuguo was able to make his very unusual dream come true. What's your dream? What can you do to make it come true?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2022
- Cast : Haoming Chen
- Director : Ilinca Calugareanu
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Gratitude
- Run time : 28 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for thematic elements.
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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